Removably Mountable Salon Chair Tray and Methods of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes a tray assembly uniquely configured to be removably mounted to the back of a chair such as that of a beauty salon The tray may include cut outs or similar holders for color bowls. Further, the tray may have a lip along its outer perimeter to prevent spills of the coloring or other liquids. Still further the tray may include various storage and/or attachment apparatuses for storing immediately necessary tools to aid in the hair coloring, or hair treatment, or styling process. The tray is attachable so as to create an ergonomical environment for the hairdresser to allow access to all tools and accessories without the need of repetitive bending and/or reaching as well as to avoid spills or otherwise knocking needed equipment to the ground.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a removably mountable chairtray and more particularly, to a tray removably mountable to the back ofa hairdresser's chair for containing color bowls and other accessoriesused for the coloring or styling of hair and the preparation of the hairbefore and after coloring or styling while providing an ergonomical andnon cumbersome environment for the hairdresser.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Typically, when a patron goes to a beauty salon they must often remainseated in a beautician's chair for extended periods of time. Abeautician's chair can be of a variety of configurations depending onthe type of salon. Typically, the type of chair that is more widespreador common is one having a vertical pedestal with a holddown and floormounting base at the bottom. Such a chair can be elevated, as necessary,to accommodate the patron as well as the beautician or stylist. Itshould be appreciated that the terms beautician, stylist, salonemployee, salon operator, cosmetologist or similar terms are usedsynonymously herein. The device disclosed herein is suitable for use byprofessional salon employees as well as for home use or use by part timestylists. A variety of other chairs may also be utilized depending onthe salon preference as well as chairs used by solo stylists, work athome stylists, as well as people who perform hairstyling as a hobby orto help friends and family members. The predominant feature, among thevariously configured chairs, is the chair back which supports thepatron. Typically, the chair back will rise no higher than the patron'sshoulders to provide full access to the patron's head and hair.

Typically, a salon and the stylist service a wide-variety of patronneeds. The beauticians or hairstylists must have access to a diverseassortment of hairstyling and cosmetic accessories in a convenient butunobtrusive fashion. The stylist performs a variety of work including,but not limited to hair cutting, shaving, hair coloring, bleaching,frosting, highlighting, perming, french braiding, corn rowing, eye browthinning, and other styling tasks. Thus, the stylist must have access tosuch varied hairstyling accessories, such as but not limited to,scissors, combs, brushes, hair dryers, razors, trimmers, clippers withvariable-sized blade attachments, tweezers, roller sets, curling irons,dyes, and other hair and/or scalp treatment liquids, gels, foams,barrettes, hair clips, and bobby pins.

Typically, the stylist must access the various accessories and toolsthroughout the styling process. Many times supplies or accessories aredropped or spilled because of all the movements the stylist must make.Further, when the stylist must constantly reach for items or bend overto pick up items, injuries (such as, but not limited to, muscle strains,bruises, cuts, scrapes, and the like) or additional spills are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the instantdisclosure, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment with a traycontaining color bowls mounted on a chair back in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an unmounted embodiment inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the mountingapparatus of the mountable tray in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the mountable trayhaving a power strip in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the mountable tray inaccordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment with a tray assembly 13 attached to theback of chair 10. The present disclosure is far superior to the oftenused trays perched atop the upper end of a vertical standard which is acomponent part of a tripod type stand having outer legs with casters orwheels. The tripod arrangement requires that the stand be pushed aroundthe floor often in limited and crowded spaces. Typically, the wheels ofthese wheeled trays can get caught in loose hair or floor mats whichrestricts the mobility of the trays and many times leads to accidentaltoppling of the tray and the materials thereon including color bowls.The present tray assembly 13 allows the stylist to utilize all necessaryaccessories, in the available space, with freedom and certainty as wellas safely and expeditiously, and also while substantially eliminatingspillage problems.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tray assembly 13 may contain color bowls12 and is preferably mounted on a chair 10 in preparation for haircoloring or other styling. It should be appreciated that the number andsize of color bowls 12 may vary and are only illustrated herein for abetter appreciation of the novelty of the device disclosed herein. Itshould be understood that the chair 10 is a conventionally availablechair. Thus, the exact configuration of the chair, possibly varying froma commercial salon chair to a typical house chair, does not form a partof the instant disclosure and as such should not be viewed as alimitation herein. Preferably, tray assembly 13 basically comprises atray 14 and an undercarriage 18 both of which are described in moredetail hereinbelow. Color bowls 12 are illustrated as freestanding ontray 14. In at least one embodiment, color bowls 12 are placed into cutouts 15 (see FIGS. 2 & 5). It is envisioned that color bowls 12 may beattached in a variety of ways both detachably and fixedly. Therefore,the exact placement, positioning, or mounting of color bowls 12 shouldnot be viewed as a limitation herein. Further it should be appreciatedthat the size and material of construction, of color bowls 12 may varyfrom conventionally available salon utilized color bowls to home made orhome utilized color bowls and as such should not be viewed as alimitation herein.

Tray 14 is preferably of a length less than or equal to the length ofthe chair back 11. Thus, it should be appreciated that just as the chairback 10 width of different chair types may vary, so may the tray 14length vary. Preferably, tray 14 is of a substantially rectangular shapeso as to allow the stylist to easily reach the patrons head and hair.However, it is envisioned that the tray 14 may be slightly arcuate oreven somewhat concave for a more ergonomical design. Further, it shouldbe appreciated that the substantially rectangular shape is preferred foreconomic reasons for manufacturing. It should still further beappreciated that the side of tray 14, which abuts the chair back 11, mybe substantially parallel to the chair back 11 or even slightly arcuateif necessary to match an arcuate chair back. The material of tray 14 ispreferably a plastic material or other light weight material. Thispreference is for ease of manufacture and to maintain low productioncosts. However, it is envisioned that tray 14 may be of a variety ofmaterials and as such the material should not be viewed as a limitationherein. Preferably, tray 14 is configured so as to have a lip 16 aroundthe outside perimeter of the tray 14. It should be appreciated that inone embodiment the side of the tray 14, which is nearest the chair back11, may be free of lip 16 if tray assembly 13 is slightly tilted tomaintain any liquids therein to prevent spillage on the chair back 11,the patron's back, the floor or any combination thereof. It should beappreciated that lip 16 is to retain any spilled liquids as well as toretain any tools/accessories placed on the tray 14 during use. It shouldbe appreciated that tray 14 should not be so deep dished thataccessories placed therein are hard to reach because they are literallyburied beneath each other. Therefore, the height of lip 16 may vary bypersonal operator preference but is preferably not so high as to impedeeasy access into the tray by the stylist. As further illustrated in FIG.2, lip 16 may also be used to facilitate the holding of various clips 44or barrettes used during a coloring or styling session.

Still referring to FIG. 1, tray 14 is preferably mounted onundercarriage 18. Preferably, tray 14 is removably attached toundercarriage 18 to facilitate cleaning and sanitizing. It should beunderstood that tray 14 may be fixedly attached to undercarriage 18. Itshould be further understood that tray 14 may be mounted by a variety offastening methods such as, but not limited to, screws, snaps, hook andloop arrangements such as Velcro® (Velcro is a registered trademark ofVelcro Industries B.V.), latches, slotted or grooved connections, bolts,glued, welded, brazed, be integral to the undercarriage 18, or similarmethods. The exact method of attachment should not be viewed as alimitation herein. Undercarriage 18 preferably comprises a drawer orbasket 20 to hold additional tools or accessories. The drawer or basket20 may be attached beneath tray 14 or near the back edge of tray 14. Itshould be appreciated that the drawer or basket 20 preferably does notstick out to far beyond the back edge of tray 14 as that would interferewith the stylist and possibly limit the stylist's reach to the patron.Further, drawer or basket 20 may also be mounted on a track or rail (notshown) so as to allow the drawer or basket 20 to be moved from belowtray 14. It should be appreciated that basket 20 may be individualcontainers (FIG. 1) or an open space (FIG. 2) or a combination thereof.

The undercarriage 18 preferably has a series of accessory holders orhangers 22 preferably attached to basket 20. However, it should beunderstood that if basket 20 is slidably movable then the accessoryholder or rack 22 may be attached to the undercarriage 18. These hangers22 can be for such accessories such as, but not limited to, a blow dryer24 or a curling iron 26 (see FIGS. 1 & 2). The holders or hangers 22 canbe a series of separate holders 22 or a rack which substantiallysurrounds the undercarriage 18 on at least three sides (or in an arcuateembodiment, the part of the curvature away from the chair back 11). Itshould be appreciated that the accessory rack or holders 22 should bepositioned so as not to get in the way between the stylist and thepatron to minimize any reach obstruction of the patron's head and hair.It should be further appreciated that the rack or holder 22 may containvarious sized or variously spaced openings (or hooks) to allow for thefitting/storage of various sized accessories (i.e. large dryer 24 andsmall curling iron 26). The rack or holder 22 may be attached to theundercarriage 18 or to the basket 20 utilizing a variety of attachmentmethods such as, but not limited to, bolts, screws, rivets, welding,brazing, snaps, hook and loop attachments, integrally molded, and thelike. Further, it should be appreciated that the rack or holder 22 maybe detachable from the undercarriage 18 or basket 20 for ease ofstorage, cleaning, or sanitizing. In another embodiment, the rack orholder 22 may be attached to the tray 14 or to the undercarriage 18 orto the basket 20 or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is illustrated a preferred method ofmounting the tray assembly 13 to the chair back 11. It should beappreciated, by those in the art, that one of the points of novelty ofthe present disclosure, is the ability to removably mount the trayassembly 13 to substantially all chairs 10 having a chair back 11without having to modify the chair 10 with additional support hardwareor making holes for screws or bolts. However, it is envisioned that thetray apparatus 13 may be more permanently or foldably mounted to a chairback 11, particularly to dedicated salon chairs and as such should notbe viewed as a limitation therein.

Preferably, tray mounting apparatus 28 removably attaches the trayassembly 13 to chair back 11 with no permanent modification of the chairback 11 or chair 10. Mounting apparatus 28 preferably has a frontsection 30 which fits over the chair back 11 and a rear section 32 whichcontacts the back side of chair back 11 and connects to the trayassembly 13. Preferably mounting apparatus 28 is hook shaped and maysubstantially match at least part of the contour of the chair back 11.Preferably the rear section 32 of mounting apparatus 28 may be connectedin a variety of methods to the tray assembly 13 such as, but notincluding, bolting, screwing, welding, brazing, quick connects, snaps,press fits, hook and loop connections, or similar connections. It shouldbe appreciated that the connection between the rear section 32 of themounting apparatus 28 and the tray assembly 13 can be a permanentconnection, semi permanent, fixed, foldable, or detachable. In anotherembodiment, mounting apparatus 28 is a clamp. In yet another embodiment,mounting apparatus 28 is a hoop and loop configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the tray assembly 13 which is unmounted. Ina preferred embodiment, the tray assembly 13 does not extend the entirewidth of chair back 11 and thus allows the stylist room to treat thepatron's hair. It is further illustrated that in an embodiment having afixed basket 20, the tray 14 does not fully cover the basket 20 to alloweasy access to the basket 20.

While performing duties required to style hair or color hair, hairstylists must use several electrical tools such as blow dryers, curlingirons and clippers. These tools require electrical power which requiresthe use of electrical cords plugged into a power supply. The manyelectrical appliances used in salons also present a safety hazard, ascontact with water or other liquids can cause the user to suffer asevere electrical shock. Liquids can pool on countertops and thus it isnot desirable to place appliances such as hair dryers on a countertopfor storage when not in use. Moreover, such countertop areas typicallyare also very cluttered with other objects and require the stylist toreach or reposition themselves to reach countertop items; thusincreasing chances of spills, dropped items, accidents, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 3 & 4, there is illustrated a power strip 34 havingmultiple outlets 36 and a power cord 38. Power strip 34 provides aconvenient outlet for plugging in electrically powered accessories 24,26. It should be understood that electrically powered accessories 24,26are only described in illustration of such accessories and as suchshould not be viewed as a limitation herein. Preferably, power strip 34is mounted to undercarriage 18 so as to be out of the stylist's way.Thus, power strip 34 decreases the amount of power cords stretchedbetween chair 10 and a conventional wall or counter mounted powersource. Thus, there are fewer cords that may cause tripping accidents orother disruptions to the styling process. Power strip 34 may be fixedlymounted to the undercarriage 18 or may be removably mounted and attachedonly as needed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the tray assembly 13. Preferably thetray assembly 13 is compact and does not extend far from chair 10. Thus,the stylist can easily reach the patron's hair. FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrateother typical items that may be kept in basket 20 for easy access suchas, but not limited to, hair brushes 40, and color brushes 42(particularly when not wet). In another embodiment, basket 20 may have asolid bottom and/or solid walls/sides.

In use, tray apparatus 13 is mounted or hung over chair back 11. Itshould be appreciated that if tray assembly 13 is modular, it may beassembled either prior to being mounted on the chair back 11 orafterwards. Next, the various accessories, required for the instantstyling job may be placed around the tray 14, the tray lip 16, thebasket 20, the hangers or rack 22, or any combination thereof. The colorbowls 12 may be placed in appropriate cut outs 15, or mounted asnecessary. It should be appreciated that the color bowls should berestrained in place to prevent accidental spillage. The coloring may beplaced in the bowls 12 prior to setting the bowls 12 in tray 14 or afterplacement of the bowls 12. The power cord 38 can be plugged into anappropriate power source (such as, but not limited to, a wall or counteroutlet, an extension cord, or the like) and any required electricalaccessories can be plugged into the outlets 36. Preferably, once thehair coloring or styling process begins, the stylist will have allnecessary accessories, tools, items, and the like within easy andergonomical reach. Thus, other than breaks or special circumstances, thestylist will not have to interrupt the styling or coloring process.After completing the styling or coloring process, the tray assembly 13can be cleaned up and all accessories put in their proper place. Ifnecessary, tray assembly 13 can be cleaned and sanitized and removedfrom the chair back 11. Further, in embodiments having a detachable tray14, the tray 14 can be removed for cleaning and/or sanitizing.

While the present system and method has been disclosed according to thepreferred embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat other embodiments have also been enabled. Even though the foregoingdiscussion has focused on particular embodiments, it is understood thatother configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though theexpressions “in one embodiment” or “in another embodiment” are usedherein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodimentpossibilities and are not intended to limit the system or methodsdisclosed herein to those particular embodiment configurations. Theseterms may reference the same or different embodiments, and arecombinable into aggregate embodiments. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mayalso mean “one or more”. Thus, when a single embodiment is describedherein, it will be readily apparent that more than one embodiment may beused in place of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than oneembodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that asingle embodiment may be substituted for that one device. None of thedescription in this specification should be read as implying that anyparticular element, step or function is an essential element which mustbe included in the claim scope. Unless explicitly recited, other aspectsof the instant disclosure as described in this specification do notlimit the scope of the claims. Because many varying and differentembodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s)herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in theembodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptiverequirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details hereinare to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.Obviously, other modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that changes may be made in the particular embodimentsdescribed above which are within the full intended scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A removably mountable tray assembly configured to mount on the backof a chair comprising: a frame, said frame having a top side, a bottomside, a front side, and a back side; said frame further having an outerperimeter; said frame having an attachment apparatus affixed to saidfront side, wherein said attachment apparatus is configured to removablymount said tray assembly to said back of said chair; a tray, said traymounted on said top side of said frame; said frame enclosing a storagecontainer below said tray; and a rack system, said rack system at leastpartially surrounding said outer perimeter of said frame.
 2. Theremovably mountable tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising: saidtray having a bottom side and an outer perimeter; and a flange extendingaway from said tray bottom and at least partially surrounding said outerperimeter of said tray.
 3. The removably mountable tray assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said storage container is movable in a direction awayfrom said frame and said chair.
 4. The removably mountable tray assemblyof claim 1, wherein said rack system defines a storage area, whereinsaid area is for the storage of hair styling and/or coloring accessoriesduring the styling and/or coloring session.
 5. The removably mountedtray assembly of claim 1, wherein said rack system defines a pluralityof apertures, wherein said apertures are for the storage of hair stylingand/or coloring accessories during the styling and/or coloring session.6. The rack system of claim 5, wherein said plurality of aperturescomprise more than one size of opening.
 7. The removably mountable trayassembly of claim 1, further comprising said tray defining at least onreceptacle, wherein said receptacle is configured to house a color bowl.8. The removably mountable tray assembly of claim 1, further comprisingsaid tray having a substantially rectangular shape.
 9. The removablymountable tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising: said tray havinga back side; said back side of said tray being distal of said chairs;and said back side of said tray having a substantially concave shape.10. The removably mountable tray assembly of claim 1, further comprisingan electrical power strip.
 11. The electrical power strip of claim 10,wherein said electrical power supply is detachably attached to saidremovably mountable tray assembly.
 12. A tray assembly mountable to theback of a chair configured to retain hair styling supplies comprising: aframe, said frame having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and aback side; a tray mounted to said frame and having a an outer perimeterand a flange extending in an upward direction from at least a portion ofsaid outer perimeter; said frame being configured to be mounted to saidback of a chair; said frame at least partially enclosing a storagecontainer below said tray; and a retaining system attached to said trayassembly and at least partially surrounding said frame.
 13. Theremovably mountable tray assembly of claim 12, wherein said storagecontainer is movable in a direction away from said frame and said chair.14. The removably mountable tray assembly of claim 12, wherein saidretaining system defines a plurality of open ended containers, whereinsaid open ended containers are for the storage of hair accessoriesduring the styling and/or coloring session.
 15. The removably mountabletray assembly of claim 12, further comprising said tray defining atleast on receptacle, wherein said receptacle is configured to house acolor bowl.
 16. The removably mountable tray assembly of claim 12,further comprising an electrical power strip.
 17. A method forconveniently and ergonomically accessing supplies required for haircoloring and/or styling comprising the steps of: providing a trayassembly having a tray mounted thereto; mounting said tray assembly ontothe back of a chair, wherein said chair is for patron having their hairserviced; assembling styling supplies into tray assembly; attaching apower strip to a power supply; attaching any needed electricalaccessories to said power strip; performing required hair styling;removing styling supplies from said tray assembly; removing said trayassembly from said chair; and cleaning and/or sanitizing said tray. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein said tray assembly further comprises astorage container below said tray.
 19. The method of claim 17, whereinsaid storage container is slidably mounted below said tray.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising the step of placing accessoriesin said container.